A Word from Mike Hottinger
Last week in her newsletter article, Kae McCaull highlighted the joys of teaching, learning, and serving God in a variety of contexts. She also reminded us of Romans 12, where Paul speaks of the gifts God has blessed us with, and using them to build up His body. I found myself reading the newsletter on a Blue Mountains train home from the city, unwell and excluded from the final day of the Year 9/10 camp. As disappointing as this was, both the train trip and Kae’s article allowed me an opportunity to reflect on the time I had just spent with the students.
From Wednesday to Friday of Week 2, Year 9 and 10 took part in the Urban Challenge Camp. We chartered a bus and met our guides at Milsons Point. From there the students were divided into three teams. Each team member was given a specific role; Caterer, Treasurer, Navigator, etc. We were then set loose on the city with clues in an ‘Amazing Race’ challenge.
We (in no particular order, and among other things) walked across the Harbour Bridge, had lunch in The Rocks, played games on the beach, made a giant pyramid, sang to a shop owner, had a surfing lesson, prepared food for the homeless, went bowling, were given a whole large pizza each for dinner and went on a late night ferry ride. Of all the experiences however, what impressed me the most was how the students worked together. They encouraged each other in their individual roles, they offered to carry the bags of those who were struggling, they cared for members of the general public and in doing all this, they represented Christ and Kuyper Christian School in a way that made us, as participating staff, very proud.
God has given each of us gifts. This experience was an amazing opportunity for us all to learn more about those gifts and how we can use them powerfully, selflessly and with humility to build others up and point them to Jesus. Observing our students and their efforts throughout the week allowed me to contemplate our own responsibilities to each other, and I was reminded of both the depth and simplicity of living life together as God’s people.
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17
Reminders
- The Parent Portal and Kuyper App will be the primary vehicle for day-to-day communications between the school and parents in 2023. The School Calendar, weekly news, event advice and other essential functions will only be available in the Parent Portal and Kuyper App. At least one parent/carer from each household where your child resides needs access to the portal or app. If you are not already using the App, or need assistance resetting your user account and password, call 4573 2999 and we will assist you to connect.
- Nurture Magazine has been sent home to each family via their eldest child. Look for an article by our very own Ruth Thompson on page 20.
- Lost Property is over-flowing. Please come and check if any of it is yours, as lost property will be discarded or re-sold at the end of the year.
- Parents are reminded to continue testing for COVID and advise us if there is COVID in their household. If concerned, we encourage students to wear a mask at school for their own and others’ protection. In line with NSW Health recommendations, we also ask that close contacts wear a mask indoors and on public transport (including the Kuyper bus) and test regularly. We still have a good supply of RAHT kits. Contact the Office if you would like some sent home.
- Reminder to parents to ensure that all fees are paid by the end of year. Contact the Office if you have any concerns.
- Families who rely on the Busways service need to know that there have been some changes to the timetables until the end of term. Use the buttons below to access the temporary timetables for Term 4.
Prayer & Praise
- Praise God that he continues in his sovereignty through all circumstances. Praise him that he is “the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God” (1 Timothy 1:17), and that he loves us.
- Give thanks for holidays, breaks and changes in rhythm. Pray for connection, peace and safety for all our families during these school holidays. Pray for connection and community to grow for all at Kuyper Christian School, particularly at Limelight!
- Pray for school families and staff families who are coping with illness and accident: Faithfull, Hill, Eastlake, Armstrong, Gubbins, Huxley, Daly. Pray for good rest, connection and healing for all our families, staff and students.
- Give thanks for our Government and those in authority. Pray that they would be led in wisdom and truth to lead our country for the future good of all. Pray that “every person be subject to the governing authorities.” Give thanks that our government has been “instituted by God” (Romans 13:1).
- Give thanks for our Board and Executive team as they interview potential new staff members. Pray for one-ness of purpose for our staff, Board, Executive team, and Association as they plan, prepare and budget for 2023. Praise the Lord for His provision to us all the time.
Meet the Kuyper Team Evening tonight
Thank you to all the parents who responded to our invitation to the Meet the Kuyper Team evening tonight. Come to the Hall where you will be asked to hand sanitise and sign in, and then be shown to your seat. You will hear from the Principal and new staff and have an opportunity to speak with your children’s teachers. You will also hear about our plans for the coming year and enjoy a delicious supper together. We are looking forward to it!